Ashton: Serbia example to others in region

BELGRADE - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has voiced confidence on Monday that Serbia can be the example to others in the region, and show them what can be achieved through hard work and leadership.

Addressing the Serbian parliament during a special session, Ashton noted that some tough choices will also have to be made in the process.

She said that the volume of new legislation that Serbian MPs will scrutinize, and the debates that they will have will be unprecedented, noting that they will also have a growing role in monitoring the proper implementation of the laws.

"I know that there will be many obstacles to be overcome in setting yourself this course towards EU membership. It is significant and important that all the parties represented in this parliament share the same goal of the EU accession," she said.

She stressed that Serbia has always been a part of Europe, noting that it has opened a new chapter in the relationship with the bloc.

"There is no better proof of this successful relationship that we have been building together in recent times than the results that you have achieved in the normalization of your relations with Pristina," Ashton noted.

The EU's foreign policy chief paid her own tribute to Belgrade for "courage, political maturity and statesmanship in the dialogue with Pristina", despite many difficult challenges and tough decisions.

"Today, Serbia is praised everywhere for the political leadership that you have shown in this dialogue. You stand as an inspiration to others in this region and beyond," the EU's foreign policy chief said.

She said that Serbia is an important political partner of the EU...